The desolate, awe-inspiring landscapes of Mars depicted in Netflix’s Away were not, surprisingly, found on another planet. Instead, the series employed a combination of stunning earthly locations and cutting-edge visual effects to convincingly portray the Red Planet’s stark beauty. The primary filming location for the Martian surface scenes in Away was the King Hussein bin Talal Air Base in Mafraq, Jordan.
The Jordanian Desert: A Martian Stand-In
The Jordanian desert, particularly the area surrounding the King Hussein bin Talal Air Base, offered a geographically similar environment to the Martian surface. Its vast, arid expanses, punctuated by rocky outcrops and reddish sand, provided the perfect canvas for the Away production team to build their Martian set. The air base, which features a large, flat expanse, was ideal for constructing the habitat and rover tracks.
The production team strategically chose this location due to its unique geological features. The reddish hues of the sand and rock formations closely mirrored the color palettes associated with Mars, making the visual effects integration seamless and believable. The lack of vegetation and minimal signs of human activity further contributed to the otherworldly atmosphere.
Why Jordan?
Several factors made Jordan the ideal choice for filming the Martian scenes:
- Geological Similarity: As mentioned, the Jordanian desert’s landscape closely resembled Mars.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Filming in Jordan offered a more cost-effective solution compared to other locations with similar geological features.
- Accessibility: Despite its remoteness, the King Hussein bin Talal Air Base provided relatively easy access for the cast and crew.
- Government Support: The Jordanian government offered logistical support and assistance to the production team.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the air base, other parts of the Jordanian desert were also utilized to capture diverse Martian landscapes. This allowed the production team to showcase the perceived varied terrain of Mars within a single television series.
Visual Effects: Enhancing Reality
While the Jordanian desert provided the physical foundation for the Martian scenes, visual effects (VFX) played a crucial role in enhancing the reality and creating a truly immersive experience. The VFX team added elements such as distant mountains, dust storms, and the faint, blue-tinged Martian sky.
Key VFX Techniques
- Matte Paintings: Extensive matte paintings were used to create the vast Martian vistas, adding details that couldn’t be captured practically.
- Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI): CGI was employed to create the rovers, the habitat, and other technological elements.
- Color Grading: Color grading played a vital role in adjusting the color palette to match the established visual style of Mars, emphasizing the red and orange tones.
- Atmospheric Effects: Dust particles and other atmospheric effects were digitally added to create a sense of realism and depth.
The combination of practical locations and sophisticated VFX ensured that the Martian scenes in Away were visually stunning and believable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Was any part of Away actually filmed on Mars?
A1: Absolutely not. Filming on Mars is currently impossible due to logistical and technological limitations. All Martian scenes were filmed on Earth and enhanced with visual effects.
Q2: Besides Jordan, were there any other significant filming locations for Away?
A2: Yes. The series also utilized studio sets in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to depict the interior of the Atlas spacecraft and Mission Control. These sets were meticulously designed to mimic the cramped and technologically advanced environment of a spacecraft.
Q3: How did the production team ensure the Jordanian desert looked convincingly Martian?
A3: The team employed several techniques, including scouting for locations with specific geological features, using red filters during filming, and incorporating CGI to enhance the landscape. Costume design and set dressing were also crucial in creating a convincing Martian environment.
Q4: What challenges did the production team face while filming in the Jordanian desert?
A4: The extreme heat, harsh weather conditions, and logistical challenges of filming in a remote location presented significant difficulties. The team had to take precautions to protect the cast and crew from the elements and ensure that equipment functioned properly.
Q5: Did any actual astronauts or space experts consult on the filming of Away?
A5: Yes. The production team consulted with NASA experts to ensure the accuracy of the scientific and technical aspects of the show, including the spacecraft design, the astronauts’ training, and the challenges of space travel.
Q6: What kind of equipment was used to simulate the low gravity on Mars?
A6: While the series depicts Martian gravity, which is lower than Earth’s, the actors primarily performed in standard gravity conditions. Visual effects and creative camera work were used to subtly suggest the altered gravitational pull, such as in the way the characters moved and interacted with their environment.
Q7: How long did it take to film the Martian scenes in Jordan?
A7: The exact filming schedule in Jordan is not publicly available, but it is estimated that the production team spent several weeks filming on location to capture the necessary footage.
Q8: What type of rovers were used in the Martian scenes, and are they real?
A8: The rovers depicted in Away are primarily CGI creations based on existing rover designs. While they draw inspiration from real-life rovers, they are not replicas of any specific model.
Q9: How much did it cost to create the Martian scenes for Away?
A9: The budget for Away is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be a significant investment. The combination of location filming, set construction, and extensive visual effects contributed to the high production value of the series.
Q10: Where can I visit locations that resemble the Martian landscape featured in Away without going to Jordan?
A10: Several locations around the world offer landscapes that resemble Mars, including the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan (though different from the specific airbase location), and various volcanic regions such as Iceland and Hawaii.
Q11: Will there be a second season of Away?
A11: Sadly, Netflix cancelled Away after only one season. Despite its critical acclaim and impressive visuals, the show did not achieve the viewership numbers required for renewal.
Q12: What other films or TV shows have used similar locations to depict Mars?
A12: The Wadi Rum desert in Jordan has been a popular filming location for Martian landscapes in various movies, including The Martian, Red Planet, and Mission to Mars. This region offers a unique and visually striking backdrop that closely resembles the Red Planet.